Duo behind the handbag auction for Domestic Violence Services

Meet the handbag experts, Stephanie Civey and Debra Bordsen.

They are in charge of the annual Handbag Luncheon &Auction to raise money for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.

This year, there are about 450 purses, clutches and wallets up for grabs at the event, which is June 9 at Xfinity Events Center in Everett. Tickets, $25, include lunch, beverage and dessert.

Bordsen is deputy director of development and Stephanie Civey is events and marketing coordinator at Domestic Violence Services. The nonprofit’s services include a 52-bed emergency shelter, transitional housing, crisis hotline, youth programs, legal advocacy, support groups, education and prevention.

Anyone can call the hotline to get information on domestic violence and help. The 24-hour confidential hotline is 425-252-2873. More at www.dvs-snoco.org.

When was the Handbag Auction started and why?

The Handbag Auction started in 2010 because we were a little bit short on our fundraising goal for the year; we are hosting our seventh event this year.

It also gave DVS the opportunity to reach a different audience and do something fun. This event is so much fun. Many people say it is their favorite event of the year.

How many handbags will you have?

We auction off over 400 handbags, clutches and wallets in the silent auction and over 40 designer handbags in the live auction.

We added jewelry last year. It is costume jewelry with a set price. It’s fun and people like it. We had a big donation and will have more this year.

What’s the craziest thing that ever happened at the handbag auction?

An attorney bid high on a Louis Vuitton purse and when she was the winning bidder she grabbed the bag and modeled and paraded it around the room. Also, every year we have a few very popular purses that people go crazy bidding on, it’s a lot of fun to watch so many people bid on the same purse.

Are men allowed to attend?

It is mainly women, but men are welcome, too. Some do come.

What is it about women and handbags anyway?

Debra: I believe they make a personal statement. I change my purse almost every day to reflect how I’m feeling that day and I want to make sure it goes with what I’m wearing.

Stephanie: Having this job I know more about handbags than I ever imagined. I know how to tell if a handbag is real or a fake. I could put “handbag expert” on my resume. But me personally, I’m not a big handbag person.

What is the most ever paid for a handbag?

Last year we had two used, but very beautiful, Louis Vuitton handbags donated and one was auctioned off for $900 and one for $1,100.

Fill in the blank: People would be shocked to know …

That all the purses we auction off are donated.

What’s your most proud moment?

Our proudest moment is when we realize someone has brought us a handbag from somewhere around the world. We have had purses brought to us from Nepal and Italy as an example. That means to me that our supporters understand that even though purses are fun, domestic violence is a serious issue that affects all of us, every day, and they remember that fact even when they are away from home and want to help.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Our guilty pleasure is as staff we get to check out each and every purse that is donated. It is so much fun to pick out our favorite ones. Sometimes we even get a little teary eyed when someone donates a brand new very expensive purse and we know that it will literally bring in hundreds of dollars at the auction.

What question should I have asked?

You should have asked if we are still accepting donations and sponsorships and if you can still purchase a ticket for this event.

The answer is YES!

For reservations, donations and sponsorships contact Stephanie Civey at stephanie@dvs-snoco.org or 425-259-2827, extension 1013.

— Andrea Brown

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